Shakespeare in ACTion

2-Days Shakespeare Workshop with Thomas Cook

“Don’t confuse true and natural, with being ordinary and boring.” – Stella Adler

Today, four hundred years after his death, William Shakespeare’s work is still central in the vast world of English literature. He is the most quoted poet of all time, and his plays are produced more often than any other playwright’s work. His timeless themes also continue to inspire contemporary screenwriters.

But why is that? Why do so many people consider his writing to be among the greatest? What meanings did his plays have in his own time? How do we read, speak, and listen to his words today? What should we look for when viewing his plays on stage? Whose plays are we really watching, anyway?

As we carefully examine a select sample of his plays, we will consider these questions, and more, from a variety of critical perspectives. In this two-day workshop, given by Thomas Cook, students will get an introduction to, as well as a deeper understanding of distinctive monologues, characters, and themes, as they rehearse Shakespeare’s characters through voice and movement.

Why work on Shakespeare?

Working with Shakespeare demands actors to use all their skills. Students of this workshop will be asked to use the entire physicality of their body and the full range of expressiveness in their voice. Shakespeare is to be spoken, it was written explicitly for actors and the stage. Working with Shakespeare gives an actor the chance to hone talents and acquire a repertoire of skills needed for the art of acting.

Thomas Cook’s approach will help students of all levels and acting backgrounds, access Shakespeare’s language, while developing a greater enjoyment of his plays – one that will last a lifetime.

Prerequisites to attending the Workshop

The workshop is for anyone interested in Shakespeare; no prior Shakespearian knowledge or acting experience is necessary. However, since the workshop is in English, a basic understanding of English is required.